On the ground translatable primary care research

This research theme focuses on supporting and strengthening research that is rooted in the realities of primary care.

This theme was shaped by extensive engagement with the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and primary care networks during the development of the PCRC. A recurring message was the need for practical support to help primary care teams develop and deliver research ideas.

Despite the critical role primary care plays in population health, research in this setting remains limited, regionally and nationally. Much of the evidence currently used to guide primary care practice is based on research conducted in secondary care, which often does not reflect the complexity, context, and constraints of general practice.

Our aim is to bridge this gap by enabling research that is relevant, timely, and translatable to the everyday work of primary care professionals in Essex. Ultimately, the theme seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities by addressing locally identified needs through research.

To address this, the theme is supported by a jointly funded role – between ARU and Mid and South Essex ICB – via National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Capability Funding. This role acts as a dedicated bridge between primary care teams, the ICB, university-based research support, and external partners such as Health Innovation East.

Our approach combines proactive outreach to identify emerging research needs, with a structured offer of support for clinicians who approach us with ideas. Alongside this, we are embedding a programme of both formal and informal upskilling within GP practices, recognising that capacity building is key to the sustainability of research in primary care.

Importantly, we recognise that research-active practices are more likely to attract, develop, and retain staff. Creating opportunities and support for GPs and primary care professionals to engage in meaningful research not only supports professional development but also contributes to addressing workforce issues.

Our people

• Prof Sanjiv Ahluwalia (Director of PCRC and Head of School of Medicine)
• Dr Jo-Anne Johnson (School of Medicine Research Lead and Head of Undergraduate Medicine)
• Nikolett Hunyadvari (PCRC Community Research Innovation Lead, Mid and South Essex ICB)
• Sandeep Virdee (NIHR Research Development Network)
• Dr Philippa Brice (Associate Director for Research and Impact, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICS)
• Dr James Hickling (Deputy Medical Director of NHS Mid and South Essex ICB (MSE ICB))
• Dr Andrew Kelso (Medical Director of Suffolk and North East Essex ICB)
• Dr Andrew Wright (Primary Care Dean and Deputy Postgraduate Dean – East of England)

Upcoming projects

• North Place Project: data analytic project leading to care pathway development and virtual wards – collaboration with Cambridge and Peterborough Integrated Care System (CPICS)
• Early Detection of Heart Disease – collaboration with CPICS and Innovation East
• Primary Care outreach workshops – collaboration with MSE ICB
• Care pathways for adults with learning disabilities: understanding access issues for individuals with learning difficulties
• Exploring the financial benefits of GP training: using economic modelling of ACSC and qualitative studies – collaboration with University College London and King's College London
• Development of Pilots of Programmatic Assessment across the East of England – collaboration with local Training Hospitals, GP Training Programmes and NHS England.
• Engaging with primary and secondary care to develop innovations that support and empower primary care to manage groups of patients in the community. Current work: use of a Thermalytix device on the breast pain pathway in Mid and South Essex – collaboration with Teledyne.